Archive of ‘Fragrance’ category

Last Friday, I was scheduled to be backstage at Sean John*. I was super excited to be attending the closing show of New York Fashion Week.

I fantasized that Diddy and I would meet, he’d be captivated by my charm, and then whisk me away to the star-studded soiree.

It would play out like that R. Kelly/Jay Z collabo:

After the show it’s the after party andAfter the party is the hotel lobby andAfter the Belve then it’s probably Cris…

But that didn’t happen. In fact, the closest I got to the Sean John show was a pizzeria on the corner of 22nd Street & 6th Ave. I was grabbing a bite there when I got a call from MAC telling me that there were no female models in the show, and therefore no need for MAC makeup. I was bummed, but also exhausted from my travels; so I caught an early train back to Philly.

So sorry, beauties. I know you were anxious for me to dish the Diddy dirt. C’est la vie.

If you absolutely need a Puffy fix, Glamour.com has an article entitled “Diddy knows pretty,” in which the hip-hop mogul/designer shares his observations on what makes a woman irresistible. Here’s an excerpt:

Why he named his perfume Unforgivable Woman:“It’s about being unapologetic. It’s about having swagger. Confidence is such a sexy, sexy quality.”

Makeup trend he’s so over:“Red lipstick just isn’t working for me. It might be good for an awards show, but it’s not hot to kiss. I love natural lip color—that’s always a good look!”

Biggest beauty obsession:“Sugar Bath Cubes by Fresh. I take a bath every night. I love the way they make my skin feel. I have very soft skin—go ahead, touch it!”

According to Reed Krakoff, President and Executive Creative Director of Coach, “This distinctive collection captures the true, classic style and femininity of the Coach woman.”

Coach Lipstick ($18): These lightweight, full coverage lipsticks are available in three flattering colors – Poppy, Rose, and Peony. They are formulated with Shea Butter and Almond Oil to moisturizes lips; each comes in a unique tube featuring the iconic Signature pattern.

Lip Gloss ($22): These pretty, polished glosses are packaged in a glam tube featuring the Coach logo. Available in three shades – Gardenia, Hibiscus, and Heather.

1.7 Oz Perfume Spray ($68): This classically inspired fragrance has a unique blend of soft florals combined with amber, vanilla and precious woods. Together they capture the distinctive style that is exclusively Coach.

A few weeks ago, I was super-excited to receive an email from Kathleen Dreier, letting me know that Daneen was in the mail and on its way to my doorstep. Confused? Let me back up. Kathleen is the owner of Esens Custom Fragrances, and has been creating custom fragrances for 17 years. Daneen is the perfume she blended especially for me.

I have to admit that, at first, I was a little skeptical about purchasing personalized fragrance over the Internet. I’m indecisive and difficult to please – I could spend an hour in Sephora smelling all of the perfumes, and walk out empty-handed because nothing’s blown me away or because it’s impossible to choose.

But Kathleen was a pleasure to work with. From the start, I communicated directly with her via email. She asked me to answer a few simple questions – about my personality, interests, and scents that I like. From these answers (and a couple photos I attached to the email – for good measure), she created Daneen.

My custom scent is a blend of ten notes, including Ambrette, Magnolia, Vanilla Bean, and Vetiver. Somehow Kathleen managed to concoct a fragrance that I adore – which is amazing because, most of the time, I don’t even know what I like.

A ¼ ounce bottle of pure essence (a 9- to 12-month supply) costs $100, and includes a handwritten art card that describes each of the oils she’s personally selected for your fragrance. All Esens perfume blends are original, and no scent design is ever duplicated…so you can be assured that your fragrance is one of a kind – just like you. Esens also keeps your personalized formula permanently on file for reorders – offered at 45% of the original cost!

The turnaround time for personalized perfumes is 7 to 10 days from order to delivery. And Kathleen guarantees your satisfaction is guaranteed; if you’re not happy with your fragrance, she will reformulate your blend.

Valentine’s Day is only three weeks away, ladies. So start dropping hints now.

If industry rumblings are any indication, Justin Timberlake may be the face of the next Parfums Givenchy men’s fragrance. Here’s to hoping the SexyBack singer and French fashion house can get in sync.

Actor Matthew McConaughey will be the face of Dolce & Gabbana’s upcoming fragrance, The One For Men, set to hit shelves in March 2008. “I like spicy-oriental notes and we’ve never done these types of fragrances, it’s a little warmer than our other men’s scents,” said Stefano Gabbana. “I wanted it to be a classic — not a banal classic, but a classic men’s fragrance that would last for years and be the type of scent that women adore,” he added. The fragrance will have notes of grapefruit, coriander, basil, cardamom, ginger, orange blossom, cedarwood, ambergris, and tobacco.

Jennifer Lopez will launch her next fragrance, Deseo, in February 2008. Deseo was inspired by a combination of smells in the singer’s own garden, and is the first of Lopez’s fragrances to reference her Latin heritage. The fragrance’s notes include bamboo leaves, yuzu, bergamot, freesia, star jasmine, pink geranium flower, orange blossom, mimosa, warm amber, oak moss, musk, sandalwood, cedar, patchouli and mineral accord. And Deseo’s bottle was designed to resemble a “diamond in the rough.”

Following in the footsteps of Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier is on her way to building a luxury lifestyle brand – which will include handbags, home furnishings, fine china, and a fragrance. What will Monique smell like? Stay tuned. The perfume will hit stores in Spring 2008.